Starz takes the 'Party Down,' cancels the offbeat comedy

The offbeat half-hour comedy about a group of wannabe Hollywood actors and writers working at a small-time catering company in the midst of waiting for their big break, which counted "Veronica Mars" creator Rob Thomas and Paul Rudd among
its executive producers, developed a cult following in its run. But ratings for the show, a favorite among critics, had been lackluster.

"After careful consideration, we've decided not to continue on with subsequent seasons of 'Party Down' and 'Gravity,' " Stephan Shelanski, executive vice president of programming for Starz Entertainment, said in a statement. "We're grateful to everyone involved in the shows, and are proud to have had them on the channel. Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup."

"Party Down" had an impressive lineup, with a cast that included Ken Marino ("Reaper"), Ryan Hansen ("Veronica Mars") and Martin Starr ("Freaks and Geeks"). But losing Adam Scott to "Parks and Recreation" and, before him, Jane Lynch to "Glee" didn’t help the show's chances.

The news is an added blow for Lizzy Caplan, who backed out of the new CBS sitcom "Mad Love" because of her commitment to "Party Down."

Starz also canceled newbie "Gravity," a dramedy about a group of suicide survivors.

-- Yvonne Villarreal

Credit: Starz

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